Help! I have kids, what can I do for fun on New Year's Eve with them in tow?!

Life is not over on New Year's if you have kids! There are a plethora of local venues offering family friendly outings from the suburbs to downtown! Most are extremely reasonably priced too which means you can go out and have fun probably for less than you and your date would have paid! No excuse to stay home this year!

Bubble Bash 2010—Blast Off!
Hit the suds—the kid-friendly way of course—at this bubble-themed morning party. Mr. Singer and the Sharp Cookies perform and lead a noon countdown, and there’ll be refreshments and art activities, too. Buy tickets in advance online or over the phone. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N Washington St, Naperville (630-637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org). 9am–noon. $20, kids $15.

Bri-Ko’s New Year’s Family Performance
This kid-friendly silent show that combines sketch, acting and clowning (think Blue Man Group without the blue) is having a special performance with a countdown and postshow party, complete with balloon animals, cookies and kiddie cocktails. Bottoms up! Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont Ave (773-327-5252, stage773.org). Noon. $23, kids $17.

ComedySportz Family Show
Chuckle in 2011 with the cleaned-up version of the comedy improv show. A cider toast and countdown follows each performance. Call for reservations. ComedySportz Theatre, 929 W Belmont Ave (773-549-8080). 5, 7pm. $22–$30.

Family New Year’s Eve Party
This annual skating party culminates with a 9pm kiddie toast. Glenview Ice Center, 1851 Landwehr Rd, Glenview (847-724-2800). 6–9pm. $7.50, skate rental $4.

Family New Year’s Eve Party
This party has an eternal summer vibe, so you can escape the cold and wind and dream a little. The natatorium’s swim party makes waves with ice cream, carousel rides, music and a 6pm balloon drop. Reservations required. Pavillion Aquatic Center, 1000 Wellington Ave, Elk Grove Village (847-593-6243, elkgroveparks.org). 3–6pm. $8, by Dec 30 $5.

New Year’s Eve Dance Party
Dance the hokey pokey, do the chicken dance and clap your hands at this midday party—where kids can make hats and noisemakers and shout with the gang at the noon countdown. Naper Boulevard Library, 2035 S Naper Blvd, Naperville (630-961-4100, naperville-lib.info). 11:15–noon. Free.

New Year’s Eve Family Bash
Navy Pier holds its all-out New Year’s bash with a live DJ spinning for the little guys. An early fireworks show takes place beforehand at 8:15pm (there’s another one at midnight). Pavilion Stage, Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave (312-595-7437, navypier.com). 9–11:45pm. Free.

New Year’s Eve at Moretti’s
Moretti’s pulls out the stops as usual for their soiree with a video countdown, balloon drop and party favors; call ahead for reservations. Moretti’s in Edison Park, 6727 N Olmstead Ave (773-631-1223, morettischicago.com/edisonpark.php). Seatings at 4:35, 6:35, 9:35pm. $6 New Year’s kids’ menu, adults can order from regular menu.

Noon Year’s Eve
LEGOLAND gets “late night” smack in the middle of the day with a noon balloon drop, scavenger hunt, mini-figure swaps and photo, food and drink specials. LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg (847-592-9700). Doors open at 9am. $19, kids $15, tickets and discounts at legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago.

Scoozi New Year’s Eve Party
The pizzeria serves up its regular menu for adults, but kids eat free and get to make their own pizza—everyone wins! Scoozi, 410 W Huron St (312-943-5900). 4:30–6:30pm.

Wonder Works New Year’s Eve
Take a note from Ben Stiller’s book and spend a crazy night at the museum, with games, snacks, an early countdown and kiddie cocktails. Wonder Works Children’s Museum, 6445 W North Ave (708-383-4815, wonder-works.org). Noon–5pm. $5, members and kids under 1 free.

Zoo Year’s Eve
Attention, party animals: Show up for music from the Radio Disney Road Crew, games, DIY noisemakers and prizes at Brookfield Zoo’s annual bash, with parades at 6 and 7pm, countdown at 8pm and for the littler tots, earlier countdowns in the Hamill Family Play Zoo. Brookfield Zoo, 31st St and S 1st Ave, Brookfield (708-688-8000, czs.org). 6pm. With zoo admission $13.50, seniors and kids ages 3–11 $9.50, members free.

Fun Date Night

Want a free date? Well, not including the babysitter! Kenmore (as in Sears) has a LIVE television studio program at the corner of Huron & Wells featuring FREE events Monday's at 5:30 and most other nights from 7-9pm, with limited weekend daytime schedules. Show up for a free demo of their appliances and taste the delicious treats they cook up. Get there early to grab one of the directors chairs. It's fun and interesting and FREE! Great for a date, a break from the kids or a girl's outing.

MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) Family Days are Back!

Their baaack! The free second Saturday's at MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) located off Chicago Avenue one block East of Michigan Avenue. From 11am to 2pm each 2nd Saturday your child with be educated and entertained with free arts and crafts, a museum scavenger hunt for prizes and free museum viewings. There is also the snack area located in the bottom level with healthy beverages and light snacks to sit back and regroup, all compliments of Target (a favorite of moms!). Perfect on days when it's cold outside or rainy/snowy. The series runs through May 2011.

Can't buy new designer clothes but you can afford this Burberry!

Betcha didn't know that the London designer Burberry had come out with a complete makeup line! It's not carried at the exclusive boutique on Michigan Avenue either, but rather at the all affordable Nordstrom North Bridge downtown Chicago. I have to tell you, makeup is kind of makeup in the department store category, however, Burberry is different. Why spend $30 on mascara when you can go to Walgreen's and get it for $9? How about NEVER a clump, always glides on perfectly each and every time! You got it! Everytime, no clumps, no problems, notta. You will love the product and the hematite plaid packaging. So chic, so amazing and soooo affordable! Their shadows are lovely as well in square magnetic, hematite packing emblazoned with the signature shadow Burberry plaid. They glide on with the greatest of ease and are less than $30 each! The foundation has to be one of the best on the market, seriously. It has silicone in it and sits beautifully on your skin and looks just as good at 8pm as it did when you put it on at 8am. Again, a price you can afford in a huge, chic bottle, under $50. I got Ralph for my makeup artist and he was fabulous, knowledgeable and NOT a pushy sale. But this stuff is so wonderful he didn't have to suggest anything, I wanted it anyway. The lip and eye pencils are extra long and a unique square shape. You can now own Burberry without spending a fortune (by the way you can have lunch in the cafe afterwards, a real mom treat!).

HUGE Consignment Sale Downtown-Sell or BUY!

Want great clothes for your kids (or gently used Holiday Gifts!) either sell or shop at this twice a year event the first weekend of October! It's like one giant high end garage sale just for kids. You don't want to miss out on deals like this. Maybe it's a good time to clean our your kids closet and sell a few things too!


Chicago’s Premier Children’s Seasonal Consignment Event

For Infants to Pre-teens

Fall 2010 Event:

October 1 – 3, 2010

1647 W. Chicago Avenue

Chicago, IL 60622

Street parking is readily available, pay boxes are $1.25 per hour.



Friday & Saturday, October 1 – 2, 2010

10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Sunday, October 3, 2010 (Most Items 1/2 Price)

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM



Babies, Tots n’ More, Seven Day Store offers one-stop shopping for kids at “bargain basement” prices. Our event features thousands of quality, gently-used or new kids and maternity items at great prices. Items include children's clothing (through Youth Size 16), maternity clothing, shoes, toys, books, games, DVDs, baby equipment (strollers, cribs, pack n' plays, high chairs, etc.) baby and children's furniture n' more. Not only can you pick up absolutely unbelievable deals, you can become a Consignor and have someone else advertise, display, and sell the things that your children have outgrown or grown tired of. The best part is that you will earn 65 – 76% of the profit without even being there! With our twice yearly event, you can easily clear out the clutter from your home and make cash! Get paid to “recycle” your children’s previously-loved items and shop without guilt. What better way to save money and improve the environment, than consigning and shopping with Babies, Tots n’ More, Seven Day Store?

Consignors:

* Simply price and tag your items using our easy online system.
* Drop off your items, and we will do the selling for you!
* You will earn at least 65% on what we sell.
* We will send you a check within 2 weeks! It’s that easy!!!

Shoppers:

* Buy merchandise in excellent condition! Find a huge assortment of the highest quality of gently worn children's and maternity clothing, shoes, toys, books, games, baby equipment (strollers, cribs, pack n' plays, high chairs, etc.) baby and children's furniture n' more.
* Find brand name products at 50-80% below retail
* Shop with confidence in an organized retail environment
* Bring a laundry basket or tote bag to carry your treasures.
* First Time Moms shop early, you must register in advance.

Volunteers:

* Shop the sale before the general public.
* Volunteers do not have to be consignors.



Sign Up Now to Participate in Our Spectacular Event !

Become a CONSIGNOR and make money cleaning out your kids' closets! You bring it, we sell it. Earn at least 65% on any item sold. Refer other consignors and earn even more. See our Referral Program for more details!

Returning Consignors CLICK HERE for tagging.
Calling all SHOPPERS! Find everything you need in one, convenient location. It's your chance to stock up on great bargains on a huge inventory of quality merchandise. Be sure to review our Shopping Tips for more details. If you want to shop the sale before the general public, then plan on being a VOLUNTEER. There is a lot to do in the days leading up to the sale and we want your help. Check out our What You Get page to learn more.



Contact us at 800-972-2965 or email us at babiestotsconsignment@gmail.com

MCA Summer Family Days!

It's free, fun and creative - your kids will love it and you will have a great time in the outdoor setting!

Outdoor Summer Creation Stations at Museum of Contemporary Art by Water Tower (Chicago Avenue, one block East of Michigan Avenue)

On the plaza during the Farmers Market, 11 am-2 pm

In the sculpture garden during Tuesdays on the Terrace, 5-8 pm
Free

Take a cue from the artists in Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy and tinker with forms, materials, and ideas to make your own art. During the day, feed your inspiration with the colors of the Farmers Market. In the evening, create to the rhythms of jazz as you enjoy Tuesdays on the Terrace. Drop-in workshops feature a new activity every week. No groups please.


August 24 Shape
August 31 Transformation
September 7 Nature
September 14 The Joy in Calder

*Sept. 14: 11am-2pm session will be located in the MCA's Education Center.

Desperate for Day Care or even Kindergarten this Fall?

Kindercare at 1501 S. State (312-913-1557) has openings for INFANT (there is usually a huge waiting list at most places!) through Kindergarten and after school programs! I know many of you are searching, desperate and giving up so hope this helps! Darcy Larmore is the director. They are open from 6:30am until 6:30pm Monday through Friday.

Sweet N Sassy - Oakbrook

Want a date night but can't find a sitter for your girls? Want your kids to be thrilled for mommy and daddy to get a night out? On the FIRST FRIDAY of each month, the Sweet N Sassy in Oakbrook offers a Girl's Night complete with dress up outfits, updo's, glitter, an art project, dancing and food, all for $35 plus tax! This is a drop off event. No moms or dads allowed. You can't get a sitter for that amount and your daughter will never have that much fun at home. The celebration lasts from 6pm-8:30pm giving mom and dad plenty of time to dine, go to a movie or stop by the mall. High quality fun at an affordable price. Good for girls 5-13. Located on 22nd by Meyers Road.

Meijer Stores Offer FREE ANTIBIOTICS & PRENATAL VITAMINS

This was just such fantastic BREAKING NEWS I couldn't wait to post it to the blog. I had to call to verify that what I had read was really true and IT IS! Meijer Stores offer FREE prenatal vitamins and the 7 most commonly prescribed generic antibiotics FREE OF CHARGE TO YOU! It is available to children and adults who have a prescription from a doctor. There is no maximum per family and there is also NO income checks, membership requirements, or fees. It is the REAL DEAL. The 7 covered are Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, SMZ-TMP, Ciprofloxacin, Penicillin VK, Ampicillin and Erythromycin. Prenatal vitamins can be refilled every month. Call or visit your local Meijer store or go to meijer.com

Kid City - Grand Avenue Chicago

Kid City is an indoor, year round play area for children birth through 6 or 7 that offers numerous stimulated vignettes. The first hurdle is figuring out how to get into the place if you are a first time visitor. When you get to their front door it is locked - round the clock (great for safety). There isn't a sign, arrow, anything that tells you that you need to press the small white button to the left of the door in order for them to come and unlock the door and let you in. Not good if it is raining or snowing and your have your arms loaded with baby and toddler in tow. Once you come in you place your shoes on mats and continue on to the cashier station. The place where you leave your shoes can be very wet so you and your child end up spending the rest of your time in cold, soaking wet socks, so bring extras. The decor is adorable with a free standing small fire house, a tea and dress up room, a movie theater, generic play center with blocks and other activities, and a parents room with couches. There is a train table and a video viewing area as well. There is no way a child will be bored here. There is a kitchen area for a snack with your children. On the clean scale it was pretty good. Plan on spending a few hours but you may still get a child that isn't ready to go home when it is time to leave!

Kid City LLC
1837 W Grand Ave
Chicago IL 60622

(312) 860-6775
email: info@kidcitychicago.com

OPEN PLAY
Tuesday - Friday
9:30am to 6:00pm

Weekends: By Appointment for Private Parties

Check out our Events page for other open dates!

Standard Open Play
$14.00 for your first child
$10.00 for siblings

30 day Membership 105.00
90 day Membership 160.00

10 individual visit play pass card 115.00

Wanna make some extra money selling silver & gold but don't know where?

I have an avid follower who has sent me several references from friends who have used this Gold and Silver buying service out of Florida. They all say that this buyer is very reputable, pays top price and is FAST! Gather up grandma's old silver you never use and mail it in. How about jewelry from old boyfriends that you never wear? You can mail that in too! You would rather have had Manolo's anyway! You can link to Arnold Jewelers website at

ajewelle.com


Arnold Jewelers Is A Buyer Of Gold Bullion * Rare Gold US Coins * Broken Dental Gold In Pinellas County Florida

12293 Seminole Blvd. Largo, Florida 33778

727-586-0414 877-619-3919

Recent story as seen on ABC News regarding selling gold by mail


10 am to 6 pm M-F
10 am to 5 pm Sat

StarFruit Cafe - 3 Delicious locations!

Star Fruit Cafe (StarFruitCafe.com) is a purveyor of frozen Lifeway Kefir, the tart, extremely healthy, lo-cal, pro-biotic packed yogurt. They also serve the Kefir in the liquid form that you can purchase in your local grocery stores. But it's the frozen version that is the STAR here. Four deliciously tart, yet sweet frozen Kefir yogurts are served daily - peach, cherry, vanilla, blueberry, strawberry....similar to Berry Chill or Red Mango you choose the yogurt and then the toppings. Yum! You can opt for a smoothie or a layered parfait with the same topping and yogurt choices, the only difference is how they are mixed in. The Halsted location in Lincoln Park has a great sitting area for kids with crayons and large sheets of butcher paper to draw on. They also serve other great Lifeway products like the "Bug" your kids love, mini sizes of the drinkable Kefir in lots of flavors and the large quart size containers. They also have some creamy, rich, almost creme cheese like spreads made with the same healthy kefir. A healthy reward for you and your kids. Prices range from $3 up.


Hours of operation:

Wicker Park
Monday-Sunday: 11am – 9pm

Lincoln Park
Monday-Sunday: 11am – 9pm

Loop
Monday-Friday: 7am – 7pm
Saturday-Sunday: 12pm – 5pm


Store Locations:

2142 N. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60614
tel. 773.868.4900

1745 W. Division
Chicago, IL 60622
tel. 773.395.9300

Block 37, Pedway Level (across from Beard Papa, lower level)
108 N. State
Chicago, IL 60602
tel. 312.658.1241

Beard Papa - Beard WHAT? Where? You WILL WANT TO KNOW!

Time Out Chicago REALLY Hit it on the Head! Beard Papa is the 'light as air' delicacy unlike anything you have EVER had stateside unless you have found a true Frenchman behind the dough at the local bakery. Didn't someone think to tell the Japanese that this isn't necessarily a great translation - Beard Papa. A WHAT? One try and you WILL KNOW! Luscious, light, a hint of sweet, smooth, creamy, some even with Chocolate. You just thought you loved red velvet cupcakes! This is your new addiction! Good thing they are open early and late and serve coffee too!

A cream puff is not a cookie. It is not a cake, a pie or a doughnut. I say this because those of you who think you know the pain of craving your favorite dessert can’t begin to understand the plight of the cream-puff lover. Because even gas stations sell cookies. Walgreens sells cake by the slice. Pie is in every diner in Chicago, and thanks to Dunkin’, doughnuts have saturated our landscape. You people can get your fix anywhere. Us cream-puff freaks? We’re stuck sneaking éclairs from grocery-store bakeries, making do with cream puff’s kissing cousin with its instant-pudding filling and gritty chocolate frosting (I’m looking at you, Jewel).

But no longer. Beard Papa’s, the ten-year-old Japanese chain that has nailed this French staple, first brought its puffs to the States via Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and now Chicago has one. It’s conveniently located between the El’s Red and Blue Lines in the Block 37 pedway, but make no mistake: These puffs are not portable. The outer layer of the fist-sized puff is as flaky as your Grandma’s best pie crust, with a dusting of powdered sugar to add to the assault on dark clothing. Beyond the brilliantly airy cocoon of choux pastry lies vanilla custard cream, enough that once the shell is broken, walking and eating is out of the question. A bag of travel-friendly mini puffs could suffice, but you’ll lose the proper pastry-to-cream ratio. Chocoholics will swoon over the “éclair” version of the minis, each puff entirely enrobed in a dark-chocolate shell, but for us diehard cream-puff fans, the chocolate overpowers; ditto for options like strawberry or chocolate custard filling. When you’ve waited this long, it’s the classic or nothing—unless BP sends out a tweet that green-tea filling is on tap, in which case get out of my way.

108 N State St (312-960-9000). El: Blue to Washington; Red to Lake; Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph/Wabash. Mon–Fri 6:30am–8pm; Sat–Sun 9am–6pm. Average cream puff: $2.

We Give To Get-Big Savings For While Donating To Worthy Causes

www.wegivetoget.com.

Make A Messterpiece - Recipe for DISASTER!

I would guess that the majority of readers don't know about Make A Messterpiece located in The Glen in Glenview, IL. It opened in late September on the very end of the center, just a stones throw from Kohl's Children's Museum. Make A Messterpiece is a huge 'art studio oriented' play place for children, sponsored by Proctor and Gamble and Bounty Paper Towels (thus the "mess" terpiece). The first issue I have with them is that they NEVER answer their phone, nor do they return phone calls! Second, the price is almost as costly as going to Six Flags for the day. They say the entry fee is $10, however, all that covers is the entry fee, a small slide/climbing play area and a couple of tables with paper, crayons and some paint. Your child will never be happy with just that when there are 5 exciting, colorful studios in front of them and other children participating for the cost of $35 total ($5 for each activity, NOT INCLUDING the item they may paint in the scheduled session). So, for a family with three kids that comes to a total of $105! Are you kidding me?! Who in their right mind is going to pay that much for a few hours of fun? Perhaps once a year, but if you have more than one child it is extremely cost prohibitive. The check in line takes forever (even in a adults mind) as the cashier has to go into their 5 minutes schpeil of how the center works. Most parents buy it all out of nothing more than sheer confusion. Yes, there is a sitting area for parents while your child takes studio classes, but I an sit at Starbucks for less than $2! Some of the studio offerings are a giant colored bubble producing machine, a 'cook your own treat section', and other 'art related' sessions. Even their website is vague (makeamessterpiece.com). You can't tell what it is or how much it is. Don't they know parents want MORE INFORMATION! The staff is generally college age and clueless but super nice. Shame on Proctor and Gamble. If you want to go, you had better go quickly because this place won't last long!

Ooooh La La, It's Rue La La (that is ruelala.com)!

By invitation only (they will give you one, trust me!), click on the link below to access private sales of some of the worlds leading designers. Did you know that Tracy Reese made home decor items? I had no clue until this week. Super cute and sold out before I could even click on some of the items. This is a hot site with some great (and just okay) savings. You will definitely find items you have never seen anywhere before that all your friends will rave over. Sales only last 2 days so you better log on quick when you get your sale notice!

http://www.ruelala.com/invite/ghanson03

"I just found Rue La La, the destination for 2-day-only Boutiques, filled with the designers we love at private sale prices. It's free, fabulous, and invitation-only. Here's your invitation!" Thanks to reader Joy for sending us this fabulous link!

TwoBuckDuck.com: Daily Deals for Darn Little - Sign Up for Advance Notices Today!

TwoBuckDuck.com: Daily Deals for Darn Little - Sign Up for Advance Notices Today!

Museum of Science & Industry 2010 FREE Days!

I have had lots of requests from readers for FREE days to Science & Industry. Below is the schedule for free general admission to the museum located at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. If you want to tour the Submarine or Green House there is an extra charge.

2010 Free Day Schedule

General admission is free on the following dates:
January 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
February 8 14
March 18
April 19 20 21 22 23
May 3
June 7 8 9 10 11
August 30
September 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 20 21 27 28
October 4 5 6
November 11
December 6